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Jane’s Best Bets (12/29 – 1/2)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With Christmas shopping finished, Christmas decorations put away until next year (if you’re an overachiever), and 75% off Christmas sales, it’s time to say goodbye to Christmas and hello to a brand spanking new year!

On New Year’s Eve Eve Eve (Wednesday), enjoy some good food at Champps for their 9.99 Fajitas or go to the Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays.  “EVE”n though it’s not officially New Year’s Eve, drink some bubbly as part of the Champagne Tasting at Arrow Wine or the Special Sparkling Tasting at Chin’s Ginger Grill.  You may not need to get a cab for this “cab”aret show, but perhaps you may take a trip to Canal Street Tavern for Believe It Or Not It’s Just Me.  And finally, I do believe that the Flyers are going to pull off a win as they play George Mason at UD Arena.

On New Year’s Eve Eve (Thursday), if your New Year’s resolution is to cook more, attend the Couples Cooking Class at Culinary Company.  If it is to cook less, then practice by eating out at Rue Dumaine as part of their $25 Prix Fixe Menu.  I’m glad I just have to write about it and not talk about it because I’m sure I’d butcher that name.  Which reminds me of the butcher who backed into his meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.  Sorry…I couldn’t pass up that one!  Moving on…if you like live music, head to the Oregon District for The Original Acoustic Revival Open Mic Stage at The Trolley Stop or the Blues Jam at Oregon Express.  And for those of you with kids, take them to the Kids’ New Year’s Eve at the Boonshoft for a fun time!

On New Year’s Eve (Friday), you can leave your kids at the babysitter’s.  But first, you might want to take them to see the Harlem Globetrotters at the Nutter Center.  I remember my dad taking me to see them as a kid and they were amazing!  He says that every kid should see them at least once, so if you have the opportunity, get tickets!  Afterwards, go out for a fabulous dinner at one of the many restaurants celebrating New Year’s Eve with special meals, including Amelia’s Bistro, El Meson, The Melting Pot, Meadowlark Restaurant, or Rue Dumaine.  Or, do a little “pre-gaming” at the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine.  Even if you’re not Italian, attending the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘New Year’s Eve Concert: Viva Italia!’ at the Schuster Center is a good option!  And for all you hockey lovers, watch the Dayton Gems take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena as part of the Biggest Family New Year’s Eve Party in Dayton.  If you’re not heading off to a party, there are a variety of places around town to ring in the new year, including the New Year’s Eve Skateat RiverScape, the Black and White Ball at Bar Louie, The big NYE Party at El Meson, and the New Year’s Eve Party at Wiley’s.  And like I’ve said before, please drink responsibly.  Free cab rides are being offered to Montgomery County residents so be sure to take advantage!  Just remember…449-9999!

On New Year’s Day (Saturday), for Pete’s sake, please sleep in…and perhaps take the day easy by watching some football on the couch!  If you do venture out, head over to RiverScape for their New Year’s Day Skate.  You will still be able to see Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at Kettering Tower.  After a crazy busy few weeks, attend Candlelight Yoga & Meditation at Practice Yoga on Fifth for a little relaxation.  And finally, watch some UD basketball action as the Flyers take on New Mexico at UD Arena.

On post-New Year’s Day (Sunday), again I hope you find some time to relax and watch some football since it’s the last day of the regular season!  If you don’t have a place to watch the games, head to The Dock for 79 Cent Draft Beer Football Happy Hour.  If you’re not a football fan, head to Little Art Theatre for Brunch and a movie.  Or head to the Dayton Art Institute to see 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, or the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week (well actually a couple one-liners!). Drum roll please…

A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton…and Happy New Year!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/22 – 12/26)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s so hard to believe that Christmas is this week!  I bet many of you are continuing to do your Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, and decorating, so I’m going to keep it brief.  Here are a few entertainment options if you can make some time during this busy week!

On Wednesday, to get in the true spirit of Christmas, attend At the Manger or the Narrative Enchantment: Nativity Stories in Gold and Blue, both at the University of Dayton.  If you need to unwind after all that Christmas shopping, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, or the Naughty & Nice Beer Tasting at Heather’s Coffee & Café.  I know some geese can get on your nerves, but if you don’t mind them, attend the Annual Goose Dinner at C’est Tout.  And if you’d like to add a little mystery to your dinner, attend the Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’ at the Spaghetti Warehouse.

On Thursday, do some holiday “sightseeing” by checking out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at the Kettering Tower, the Washington Township Woodland Lights, or Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center.  My almost 7-month old niece went last week to see the windows and she told me she had a good time.  In order to complete your holiday shopping, visit The Tike’s Shop at the Schuster Center, the Beer & Peanuts Shopping Party at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, or Live Art, Give Art! at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  If you would like to make the holidays better for those less fortunate, bring a non-perishable item as part of Food for Friends at PNC 2nd Street Market or as part of the Holiday Food Drive at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  And if you’re a music lover, attending Holidayton at Blind Bob’s is a must, as several bands/musicians will be performing!

On Christmas Eve (Friday) and Christmas Day (Saturday), hopefully you’ll be celebrating with your family/friends!  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Please be sure to celebrate responsibly!  If you plan to celebrate the holidays with alcohol, have a DD or take advantage of the “Arrive Safe” program.  From December 24th-26th, Montgomery County residents can get a free cab ride (up to $50).  Just program 449-9999 in your cell phone!

On Sunday, I’m guessing you’ll probably want to relax or get up early to get some good shopping deals, return/exchange that ugly Christmas sweater, and/or use any gift cards you may have gotten!  If you are sick and tired of all things Christmas and feel like doing something totally unrelated, you can head over to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their exhibits, including 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, or the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.  And if you would like to remain in the spirit of Christmas, check out the Washington Township Woodland Lights, Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at the Kettering Tower, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why is it so cold at Christmas?
Because it’s in Decembrrrr!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Dow-Town Dayton

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Dow Thomas And The Cult Of Comedy

Part horror show hippy, part amusing musician, part imaginative genius. Dow Thomas is truly one of the Dayton originals, having performed comedy locally before there was even a venue dedicated to the genre. He has stepped so far outside of the box, finding himself still in the forefront of comedic inspiration, twisting the mundane into a bizarrely fascinating funhouse that moves so quickly, it’s hard for the average person to keep up. From playing Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love on the banjo to a stirring rendition of Sailcats, which prompts a Rocky Horror-esque melee of paper plate flinging, Dow Thomas is one of the most original and entertaining comedians around.

I was recently able to talk to Dow from his Florida home as he readied himself for his trek North to Dayton. I asked him to describe his unique brand of humor…because I sure as hell couldn’t.

“What I do is I write stupid songs…a lot of stupid songs…and that makes stupid routines that you’re not going to hear them from anybody else because they’re mine.” Dow went on to describe his dedication to creeping his material fresh, “If you write new routines and jokes all the time, they are going to be thirty seconds at the most. You can’t get up there and be Bill Cosby anymore. People have short attention spans, so what I do is write a strings of songs or jokes.”

In the late seventies, Dow showed up on a local television show that aired at various times on Channel 22 which was then titled Saturday Night Dead, a play on words to contrast the show’s spot directly following Saturday Night Live. It featured B-rated horror films and boasted one of the most good-humored hosts by the name of Barry Hobart who played the part of Dr. Creep. Dow, along with his girlfriend at the time, Astrid Socrates, played an original song titled The Ballad of Dr. Creep, which signaled one of the funniest collaborations, along with a host of other comedians, a puppeteer, John Riggi (who went on to write for 30 Rock) and a flamingly gay Frankenstein. Dow has never given up his penchant for the peculiar, having appeared in several movies, most within the genre of the B-rated horror flick. Dow spoke briefly about his most recent foray into film.

“It’s called The Psycho Dish. The director actually has gotten me in a part of another film he’s getting the rights to which is a Civil War movie. They want me to play a legless, one armed guy in a wheelchair. It’s called Bats Out Of Hell. I’ve got a couple of irons in the fire with the acting thing, but they’re all going to be independent films, and you never know where that’s going to go.” In relating what type of roles he has played in the past, a common theme begins to emerge. “I played the Devil in a movie and I played…it’s always like I’m playing some grave robber or something like that. People actually call me up and say, ‘Somebody said that you be great at playing the creepy old man downstairs.’ For me, it just keeps your chops up when you try to do everything.”

Our conversation meandered on for over an hour. Dow related stories about the roots of Dayton’s comedy scene which, at that time, was virtually nonexistent, at least from our modern perspective.

“I didn’t originally come from Dayton. I just kind of adopted the city in 1971. I moved to the area to go to Wright State and I just stayed and I ended up living in downtown Dayton. I started my shows at the Upper Krust on North Main Street for ten dollars a day.” Dow went on reminiscing, saying, “I liked being up on North Main because I liked to go to shows and Gilly’s used to be up on North Main. There was also The Tropics and Suttmiller’s, which was fun for me to go see supper club type comedians like Jerry Van Dyke or Pete Barbutti and those kind of guys.”

In the seventies, comedy was not the mainstream draw that it would soon become in the eighties, so Dow would camouflage his true comedic intentions under the cover of his music. He would get hired in as a musician and then add in little comedy bits here and there until they became his entire set. Back in those days, a set might be five hours, not the tight twenty or the solid hour that has become an industry standard. Dow found himself at many local bars, like The Bar, Clancy’s and the Iron Boar, which was to become legendary Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub.

“We used to do a Gong Show at the Iron Boar and it was fun because we’d have some guy come up and go, ‘I’m going to do my imitation of a lobster’ and we’d go, ‘Good!’ So he’d put claws on and hop around like a freak…it was just so stupid! I used to do a thing called Punt The Fish and I’d yell out, ‘It’s time to…’ the audience would scream, ‘Punt the Fish!’ I had this rubber fish and audience members would come up and kick this fish and we’d measure it off with toilet paper and the one who kicked it the farthest won.” Dow went on to tell about, “One night, I had this woman up on stage and she kicked the fish and it went into the propeller of the ceiling fan and came back and smacked me in the face. Everybody was just laughing and I stood up and screamed, ‘Disqualified!’ It was all just so stupid, but you’ll never be able to have a moment like that ever again.”

Hearing the stories about the way things used to be, it made the current state of comedy seem somewhat stale and staid. It just seemd like there used to be so much more than the emcee, the feature act, the headliner and then, “Thanks a lot! Don’t forget to tip the wait staff!”

“Right!”Dow agreed, before going into another story about the way things were. “There were these guys, Rich Purpura, who was a comedy/magician, and Tim Walko, a guitarist, and they were both from Chicago. We’d do a show, just packing the place, but at the end, we’d just get up there and jam and kept the show going and clown around with each other. By then, we were just trying to make each other laugh, and that’s what the audience liked. It was kind of like. It was kind of like having the Rat Pack or something. It was that kind of feel, where everybody’s in the groove.”

In speaking about the origins of Wiley’s, I asked Dow how he came to have such a following there (that is still quite fervent even to this day), but also how he came to meet the current owner of Wiley’s, comedian Rob Haney.

“Rob came up to me one time and said, ‘Can I get up and do some time? I just got back from The Comedy Store.’ He had just done some showcasing there…which surprised me because Rob was a bouncer in a bar I used to work at…”

I was quick to learn that almost every story that Dow told led into another story, with sequels and prequels thrown in just to keep things interesting. Backtracking, I finally found out about the first time he had met Rob Haney.

“When I first met him, he was a doorman at a place called The Bar in West Carrollton. It was a rough little joint that ended up being Omar’s for a while and then Fricker’s. It was an old basement bar and the family that owned it was pretty rugged. I actually had guns pulled on me in that bar. It was rough and there were a lot of biker guys in there, but I was playing in there for a while.” Dow said, before getting back on tack. “Rob and I started talking at the bar and then, all of a sudden, he realized that when he was at Wright State he had seen me in a theater production and we talked about that for a while. Anyway, at that time, Rob had like shoulder length hair, so it was a different Rob Haney that came up to me some time later with short hair and asked if he could do like a twenty minute set. I said, ‘Sure!’ I let him up onstage at the Trolley Stop…”

And the rest, as they say, is history. Dow appears at Wiley’s two times a year, bringing with him his bag of masks, his banjo, a balanced mix of new material and old favorites. If you have never seen Dow onstage, do yourself a favor and check him out this week at Wiley’s. He will be appearing Thursday, December 16th at 8:00 pm, Friday December 17th at 9:00 pm, Saturday December 18th at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm and Sunday December 19th at 8:00 pm. Tickets range from $5 to $12. For more information or to make reservations, call (937) 224-JOKE or go online to www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Buy Local, Buy Art

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Real Art

(Submitted by Samantha Enslen)

Waited till the last minute to get your holiday shopping done? There’s still time to get some great gifts. Best of all, you can get one-of-a-kind items made right here in Dayton, many created by local artists and designers.

Ready to shop?

Real Art. Designers designing? Who would’ve thunk it? But these designs are different—they’re things you can pick up, put on, write in, put stuff in. All knitted, sewn, photographed, or constructed by the talented folks at Real Art, one of Dayton’s premier design studios.

A Modern Eden

A Modern Eden. Creations for kids that are adorable—without being sappy? Yes, they exist. And at A Modern Eden, they exist in the form of iPhone apps, flashcards, posters, and tote bags. Created by the designers at Forge, one of Dayton’s newest marketing firms.

Four Ambition

Four Ambition. “No art, no heart?” That’s the way we see it. Show everyone what you believe by wearing a Four Ambition t-shirt. Are you “Uncaged?” They got that. A “Gypsy?” Got that too. All designed by the three brains behind Four Ambition, a Dayton-based screen-printing shop.

Society Bodycare. Stephen Rumbaugh, a former instructor at Dayton’s School for Advertising Art, formulates and creates unique organic soaps, with packaging that could only come from a great designer. With soaps like The Art School Bar, the Yellow Springs Bar, and the Black Forest Bar, how can you go wrong?

Oregon District Galleries. Take a walk along Fifth and Brown Streets and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces

Oregon District Galleries

painted, sculpted, and crafted by local Dayton artists. The Color of Energy, Orchard View, and Gallery 510 are just a few good stops along the way.

PNC 2nd Street Market. Stop by Dayton’s best farmer’s market Thursday through Saturday and pick up gifts from local growers,

Society Bodycare

bakers, chefs, and crafters. The Market will be open a special day — Wednesday, Dec. 22 — for last-minute purchases.

Second Street Market

Go Home. Yes, it’s a home store, but this ain’t no Pottery Barn. Alongside beautiful modern furniture, you’ll find pieces by Dayton sculptors, glassworkers, and photographers like Mike Elsass, Jim DeLange, Penny Stewart, and Steven Lee Johnson. Plus, during the holiday season, Go Home carries a variety of Real Mart items.

So what are you waiting for? Start shopping … and remember … shop local, shop creatively!

Samantha Enslen runs Dragonfly Editorial and bought all her Christmas presents at Dayton and Tipp City shops. Except for the Twister game she got at Target. This article was originally published by the Dayton Creative Syndicate.

Jane’s Best Bets (12/15 – 12/19)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you had one, I hope you enjoyed your 2-hour delay or day off due to the snow this week!  If not, I’m sorry!  There are again lots of things to do this week, so even if jackfrost is nipping at your nose, don’t make it a big deal…bundle up and get out of that house!

On Wednesday, start the day at Taco Bell for Free Breakfast Wednesday. At lunchtime, there are several events going on downtown.  You will be able to hear yuletide carols being sung by a choir if you attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment or the Noonday Carol Singat Westminster Presbyterian Church.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you’ll want to attend Results Now for Nonprofits at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  The colors of Christmas are red and green, so get in half of that spirit by attending the ‘Green’ Social Networking event at Franco’s.  For you winos, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market or the Weekly Wine Tastingat The Wine Gallery.  If you’re a beero, attend the Mt Camel Beer Tastingat A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.  At the Spaghetti Warehouse, attend their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’…if it’s too scary, you will find it hard to sleep tonight.  For you corny folk like me, attend the Customer Appreciation Christmas Partyat Barleycorn’s, where it will be happy hour all day and there will be visits and gifts from Santa. And finally on Wednesday, at The Loft Theatre, attend 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s or catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, visit Santa at the PNC Second Street Market.  Again at your lunch hour, attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment going on downtown.  If you are a young professional who lives/works north of town, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at The Caroline as part of their Third Thursday.  In order to try a new beer or two, attend the Sierra Nevada Celebration at Spinoza’s or the Christmas Beer Dinner at Thai 9.  I’m talking to you about beer, so I’m offering this simple phrase:  Don’t drink and drive.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, watch as the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Presents African Americans in American Life.  While there, take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays.  Or crank out some tunes by attending Karaoke with DJ Carlat Therapy Café.

On Friday, there are many options for your lunch hour.  If you would like to have lunch with an awesome group of young professionals, RSVP to the wonderful Andy Hickey and attend Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday lunchat Rue Dumaine (it’s actually the third Thursday this month because of Christmas!).  Or, attend Bach’s Lunch feat. Carillon Brass, a band of brass instrument musicians, whose members are all part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  Plus, the concert is absolutely FREE!  According to my schedule, fish fry season doesn’t officially start until the Holy Angels fish fry in January, but you don’t have to wait that long for a little fish as you’ll be able to have an All You Can Eat Fish Dinnerat Romer’s Bar and Grill. For those of us who still need to finish our Christmas shopping, we’re in luck as there is a Holiday Bazaar at Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa.  Don’t feel like cooking?  Attend the Christmas Candlelight Dinner at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  Or attend the December Wine and Food Extravaganzaat Kroger Fresh Fare.  I looked at the menu and it sounds absolutely amazing, as there are many foods whose names I don’t know how to pronounce!  To burn off all those calories, grab your ice skates and head over to RiversScape for their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40.  Or if you feel like just kicking back, consider purchasing tickets to one of the many shows going on in the area, including Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, the The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia.

Plan to make Saturday a day with your kids…or at least part of it.  And if you’re like me and don’t have any kids, you can just act like one, or perhaps give somebody’s parents a break and borrow one.  (My mom said she wished somebody would borrow me.  Yep, she actually said that…luckily followed by a just kidding!)  So with kid/s in tow, attend Breakfast with Santa at Carillon Park or stop by the PNC 2nd Street Market as Santa Visits the Market, where he has probably loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh!   While there, drop off your non-perishable items for Food for Friends.  In addition to helping those who are less fortunate, you’ll also be setting a great example for the little ones!  You can then visit the Wonderland Windows and do a little shopping at The Tike’s Shop, which are both at the Schuster Center.  At Kettering Tower, check out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.  A little later, take those kiddos to The Neon to watch ‘The Grinch’ as part of their Family Movie Series.  Looking for a pet?  Consider attending the Iams Home 4 the Holiday Pet Adopt-a-thon Event.

There are many other options for Saturday as well!  If you’d like to see a show, consider seeing Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at the Loft Theatre.  Help to make the season bright by attending the Musica! Christmas Seasonal Concertat Fairhaven Church.  I have heard that Musica! has been working hard to put on a great performance!  All you “Flyer Faithful” will want to be at the UD Arena as the Flyers take on Western Carolina.  And although I have never been to one, you can also attend The Mu Crew Christmas Drag Showto benefit the AIDS Resource Center…there might not be folks dressed up like eskimos, but I am sure they will be wearing some interesting clothes!  I didn’t mean for it to, but that sort of rhymed…I guess I’m a poet and didn’t even know it.

On Sunday, have a Victorian Christmas Brunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club. You will also have the opportunity to take your child to the Schuster Center to have Some-Fun, see the Wonderland Windows display, and shop at The Tike’s Shop…I’m sure there will be lots of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow!  If you love architecture, then you will definitely want to attend the Architectural Church Tour which will take you through four different churches built in the late 19th/early 20th century.  This shuttled tour is 100% free!  If you didn’t get a chance to see Musica! perform on Saturday night, consider checking them out at the Lutheran Church of our Savior for their Christmas Seasonal Concert.  And for some theater options, go to the Dayton Playhouse to see Christmas Belles, the Victoria Theatre for The Wonder Bread Years, the Schuster Center for The Nutcracker, Town Hall Theatre for Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, La Comedia for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, or The loft Theatre for 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And if you would like somebody to hit your funny bone, see Latin Kings of Comedy- Alex Reymundo at Dayton Funny Bone.  I have two funny bones, but I think Dayton only has one.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why does Santa have three gardens?

So he can hoe hoe hoe.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, have a GREAT week Dayton!

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 12/09 – 12/22

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010

THT: Junie B. Jones

Photo Credit: Mike Long

Two main messages seem to bombard our culture during the holidays: we are either obsessed as consumers, always searching for that perfect gift or the better price or the best idea; or we focus on the “reason for the season” and look beyond giving to the joys of spending time with family and friends. Generally, we operate somewhere in the middle of those concepts, and try to do and have it all.

In the midst of all of that, it’s easy to forget about the arts, in favor of everything else on the month’s agenda. However, in the Dayton Theatre scene of these next few weeks are several great shows sure to provide holiday joy and entertainment. Seeing one of these productions doesn’t have to become one more facet of your to-do list, but can actually be a way to focus: what better way to do something unique and special as a family than to see a performance together, and how special that gift could be! And there will still be time to finish up the shopping and decorating.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS NOT TO MISS

Christmas Belles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: With three squabbling sisters, an ailing Santa, vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, it’s not surprising this Texan church Christmas pageant is spinning wildly out of control! Add a potentially-derailing family secret and the plan to broadcast the pageant on cable access television to the mix, and you have a hilarious story sure to bring joy to your holiday!
Dates: December 17 – 19
Tickets: 937-424-8477
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Christmas Belles

HRTC: 8-Track

Photo Credit: Human Race Theatre

8-Track: The Sounds of the Seasons

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: This new musical revue celebrates “the songs of the ‘70s in all their glory, or lack thereof! Expect plenty offlashy outfits and hairdos as four talented performers rediscover the heart and soul of the forgotten decade, with music made famous by artists from Donna Summer to the Eagles to Debby Boone” (HRTC).
Dates: December 2 – 22, 2010
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: 8-Track, DMM Event, onStageDayton feature article and review

A Christmas Carol

BCYT: A Christmas Carol

Photo Credit: Diana Blowers

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

The Story: When a young boy struggles to understand why his grandfather would give money to the poor, the grandfather tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and the story of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, where ghosts of past, present, and future persuade the stingy Scrooge to change his life, comes to life as a play-within-a-play in this heartwarming story.
Dates: December 3 – 12, 2010
Tickets: 927-439-4737
More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre, DMM Event, and onStageDayton feature article

White Christmas

LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE

The Story: In the stage adaptation of the classic 1954 film, two WWII veterans, now successful song-and-dance performers, follow a duo of singing sisters en route to their Christmas show in Vermont, hoping for romance. But the 80 degree weather has everyone dreaming of a white Christmas!
Dates: through December 31, 2010
Tickets and More Information: La Comedia: White Christmas

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

THT: Junie B. Jones

Photo Credit: Mike Long

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Story: The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill… that is, until first grader Junie B. Jones draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. And if that’s not enough, their music teacher announces the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!
Dates: December 3 – 19, 2010
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, DMM Event, and onStageDayton feature article

The Wonder Bread Years

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: In this comic salute to the Baby Boomer generation, critically acclaimed writer and performer Pat Hazell (“Seinfeld,” “The Tonight Show,” and NPR, among other credits) plays out the fun of Halloween night, Christmas morning, and other high watermarks of our collective American youth of the ‘60s and ‘70s. This hilarious production “gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater,” and is part of the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series.
Dates: December 7 – 19, 2010
Tickets: (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630, Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: The Wonder Bread Years

Dayton Ballet: Nutcracker

Photo Credit: Dayton Ballet

The Nutcracker

DAYTON BALLET

The Story: Dayton Ballet brings the classic story of the Nutcracker to life, complete with mice, soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Over 100 local youth participate in this magical performance that has become a much-loved holiday tradition.
Dates: December 10 – 19, 2010
Tickets: 937-228-3639, Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Dayton Ballet: The Nutcracker

~KN

SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES
Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave, Russell, & Katherine at [email protected]

Jane’s Best Bets (12/8 – 12/12)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

So we got some of that white stuff on the ground this past week, which is starting to make me dream of a white Christmas!  I love Dayton, but I could definitely do away with this cold!  Anywho, here are some mostly indoor options for the week so you don’t have to depend on the crazy weather!

On Wednesday, check out the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment at various building lobbies downtown.  Groups from around the Miami Valley will be performing holiday music, so it might be a good thing to check out during your lunch hour!  If you’re up in the northern part of the area, consider having Lunch with HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at Coldwater Café.  In the evening, head to the Oregon District for their Holiday Tour of Homes.  If you have never experienced Christmas on Campus – Music at the University of Dayton, it is definitely something you want to check out!  There are a variety of festivities, including live music, displays, food, and much more!  If you are “wonder”ing whether there are any theater options, you are in luck!  Catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.

On Thursday, there will again be musical entertainment during the lunch hour at both the Key Bank Tower’s lobby and the Liberty Tower’s lobby as part of the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment.  Ladies, there is a day just for us at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Pamper yourself by participating in a variety of activities, including flower arranging, make-up hints, healthy eating tips, and more as part of Ladies Day at the Market.  If you can take the afternoon off work, head to the Dayton Art Institute for their Tour and Tea.  In the evening, ALL young professionals should definitely attend Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at the Dayton Racquet Club!  If you’re active and would like to learn how to cook, consider registering for Backcountry Gourmet Cooking presented by Five Rivers Metro Parks.  And if you love free live music, attend the UD Gamelan Ensemble performance.

The Nutcracker

On Friday, attend Kids Flower Arranging (make sure your children listen!) or December Centerpieces at PNC 2nd Street Market.  If you didn’t get a chance to check out one of the many holiday music performances downtown during your lunch hour the past few days as part of the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment, now is your chance.  And even if you already did, there will be new groups performing!  There will be plenty of performances/shows to check out, including Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, A Christmas Carol at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, the UD Jazz Ensembles at the University of Dayton, The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.  If it’s not too cold, join other skaters (or wannabe skaters) at the Star-Late Skate at River Skate…I mean Scape.  No goats allowed.

On Saturday, get a healthy start by participating in the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis at the Dayton Mall, where I’m sure you’ll see treetops glisten if you go in some of the department stores!  With every Christmas card you write, you get some of that carpal tunnel stuff, so this will be a good opportunity to start moving your legs instead of your hands!  Still trying to catch up on your holiday shopping?  Check out the Yellow Springs Holiday Festival.  At The Neon, see the movie Elf as part of their Family Movie Series.  Heat up your holidays without that expensive airfare by checking out the Parrots of the Caribbean (a Jimmy Buffett cover band) as they play at Norton’s in Kettering.  There will also be tons of performances in the Dayton area that continue to go on, including The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, A Christmas Carol at Beavercreek Community Theatre, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s and at The Loft Theatre.  Also, join jumpstART, the Dayton Ballet Barre, and the Young Lawyers Division as they partner up for Jump into Ballet (A Night with the Nutcracker).  Click on the link to see how YOU can get a ticket at half-price!  Plus afterwards, attend the JumpsART Afterparty at The Wine Gallery!  If you’re not into the theatre scene but would prefer to do some bar hopping (for a good cause of course!), get out your Santa or Mrs. Claus suit and participate in the Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Toys for Tots in the Oregon District.  Just be sure to drink responsibly!  Love, Your Mom.

On Sunday, take the whole family to the Schuster Center to hear sleigh bells in the snow as part of Wonderland Windows.  While there, you can also shop in The Tike’s Shop, have “Some-Fun”, and check out a performance of The Nutcracker.  For some beautiful music, head to the Dayton Art Institute for the Afternoon Musicales: Holiday Performance, Westminster Presbyterian Church for the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Handel’s Messiah: The Composer’s Cut’, or Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Concert.  There will also be additional performances of many of the shows that have been going on this week, including The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  And finally, you may want to be sitting at “The Dock” (of the bay), for 79 Cent Draft Beer Football Happy Hour.  It will definitely be happy if the Browns are winning!  And if not, I’m sure a beer will help!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Did you hear about the guy who sent his girlfriend a huge pile of snow?  He called her up the next day and asked her, “Did you get my drift?”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

May your days be merry and bright this week Dayton!

Empty Seats: Is the ORIGINAL American Musical In trouble?

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Scottsboro Boys Broadway PosterSCOTTSBORO BOYS

Kander & Ebb’s Final Masterpiece

By most standards, Broadway is enjoying a banner year. Last year’s huge musical hits – Next to Normal, Memphis, Promises, Promises, Rock of Ages and Green Day’s American Idiot are still running to great houses. Many of these shows are heading out on the road if not already.  Current news in New York has the $65 Million gamble – Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark (directed by Julie “Lion King” Taymor with music by U2’s Bone and The Edge) generating huge buzz and new film-turned-musicals Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act, and Leap Of Faith all announcing spring openings.  Even in the world of non-musical fare, the hits keep on coming – Free Man Of Color, Driving Miss Daisy, War Horse, Time Stands Still, Lombardi, and a star-studded The Merchant of Venice.

“Slowly but surely, Dayton seems ready to embrace NEW ORIGINAL work, but is it enough?”

Here in Dayton this season, we’ll see the arrival of Avenue Q (after a much lauded tour of Spring Awakening just passed through) as well as NEW emerging musicals and plays in development from Dayton Playhouse, The Human Race Theatre Company, Encore Theater Company and others.  Slowly but surely, Dayton seems ready to embrace NEW ORIGINAL work, but is it enough?

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson on BroadwayAmid all of New York openings is a terrifying reality as well. Two of the most critically acclaimed and game-changing ORIGINAL musicals have opened and posted closing notices despite being considered by many as changing the course of American Theatre. The emo-punk musical history lesson – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and The Scottsboro Boys – the final work from the legendary creative team of John Kander & Fred Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret, etc.)

Directed by 5-time Tony® Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers), this daring and wildly entertaining musical explores a fascinating chapter in American history with arresting originality. The show is based on the notorious “Scottsboro” case in the 1930s, in which 9 African-American men were unjustly accused of a terrible crime. Their shocking and inspiring story – told though a mix of innovative staging and piercing new songs – demands to be shared. And yet, after December 12 – it will be gone.

Christopher Dimond – a New York-based musical theatre composer and good friend of Encore Theater Company – recently discussed his sadness – not only about the closing of this definitive show – but what it says about audiences willing to take risks on something ‘new’ instead of always falling back on the tried and true.  We here at onStageDayton felt it was well worth re-printing here.

-David Brush

How I Failed the Scottsboro Boys

CHRISTOPHER DIMOND

Kooman & Dimond Blog

Scottsboro BoysIt’s easy to gripe about the state of Broadway these days. Trust me, I do it a lot. Original musicals are a rarity. Juke Box shows and movie adaptations dominate the Great White Way, cotton candy and bubble gum pop for the tourist crowd. Fluff trumps substance.

Who’s to blame for this? My personal favorite scapegoats are producers. “If only producers had some balls,” I whine after watching an MTV telecast of a musical about a girl who goes to law school to impress her boyfriend, “Then we’d actually see the high-quality, in-your-face, change-your-life kind of musicals that we should be seeing.”

“It’s an absolute crime, a soul-crushing travesty, that this show is closing, while elsewhere lighthearted Abba tunes will be sung in seeming perpetuity.”

So, who’s to blame when producers with balls take a risk on something daring, audacious, and effing beautiful and it still “fails” on Broadway?

The short answer: me.

Scottsboro BoysThe Scottsboro Boys is a triumph of modern musical theater. It’s brilliant, it’s bold, it’s provocative, it’s moving, it’s surprising, it’s a whole bunch of adjectives that collectively still do not do it justice. And most of all, it’s a story that needs to be told, told in an incredibly powerful manner. It’s the best musical I’ve seen in years. In no way, NO WAY, can this show be described as a failure.

The cast, Kander and Ebb’s score, David Thompson’s book, Susan Stroman’s direction/choreography, the design… it’s not perfect, but it’s about as close to perfect a production as you’ll find on Broadway today.

And yet, producers announced this week that the show will close December 12th, after 49 performances and 29 previews.

Does that make the production a “failure”? Does it mean that we need some alternate model for producing smaller, edgier musicals than the Broadway one? Those are conversations I’ll save for another time.

The simple fact of the matter is this: People are going to lose money producing a brilliant piece of theater. And, more devastatingly, A LOT of people are going to miss out on the chance to see The Scottsboro Boys.  It’s an absolute crime, a soul-crushing travesty, that this show is closing, while elsewhere lighthearted Abba tunes will be sung in seeming perpetuity.

Yes, the show had a healthy run at the Vineyard, and no, the point of creating art should not be to turn a profit. You can even make the argument that it was a mistake to try to transfer such a risky show. But I’m not buying it. This show deserves to be seen, and it deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. Broadway gives it the best chance to do that.

I refuse to believe, POSITIVELY WILL NOT ACCEPT the idea that there are not enough people out there who want to be moved, to be challenged, to be changed by a musical in order to keep this show running.

Scottsboro BoysIt’s going to be easy to blame the marketing of the show, or the subject matter, claiming that it’s just too tough of a sell for Broadway. Bullshit. Here’s all the marketing a show like this should need: “It’s fucking amazing. Go see it. Now.”

Years down the road, pundits will shake their heads and say, “The show simply didn’t find its audience.” I’ll argue differently. The audience simply didn’t find its show.

If we are going to complain about the state of Broadway, then we, as an audience, AS A THEATER COMMUNITY, have a responsibility to actively seek out productions that are extraordinary, to support them by paying for tickets, and to promote the hell out of them through word of mouth, social media, blackmail, whatever’s necessary to advance the cause of innovative, exceptional theater.

I didn’t do that with The Scottsboro Boys. I waited until the closing notice had been posted to buy my ticket. I should have rushed out immediately. I should have been the first in line. I should have shouted from the rooftops.

I didn’t do that.

And, apparently, I wasn’t the only one.

-cd

From Christmas Past to Christmas Pageants… and FREE TICKETS!

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Childrens Theatres Explore the Holidays

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Photo Credit Mike Long)

So often, we associate “children’s theatre” with “running around in big furry costumes spouting cutesy dialogue” (witty description per playwright Allison Gregory), and “Christmas shows” with the same old retellings of the Nativity or Nutcracker (as Dave mentioned Tuesday). But, we’re often too busy to even think of those types of theatre, let alone putting them together, for the holidays seem to come earlier every year (did Black Friday begin on Thursday…?) – sometimes it seems like ‘tis the season for selfishness and stress! This season, two theatres are surpassing those stereotypes and producing quality holiday productions for audiences of all ages, providing the perfect way for families to spend time together, enjoy themselves, and move beyond the overwhelming focus on gifts and wanting more.

Beavercreek Community Theatre’s A Christmas Carol and Town Hall Theatre’s Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells both open this weekend. While extremely different shows, both feature youth performers and share conceptual similarities: they may seem like lighthearted Christmas fare, and audiences of all ages will definitely laugh and enjoy themselves, but also walk away with a little something else to consider.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol (Photo credit: Diana Blowers)

Beavercreek Community Theatre’s Children’s Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; the structure of this adaptation is unique because it features a “play-within-a-play,” exploring the famous allegory as a story passed down from grandfather to grandson when young Thomas struggles to understand the reason for giving hard-earned money away to the poor. As the traditional story goes and Thomas’ grandfather shares, visits to his past, present, and future teach Scrooge the loneliness of his selfish, stingy ways and inspire him to change his life.

Teresa Connair, who directs the 34-member cast of students ages 8 – 18, has worked with children’s theatre for over fifteen years and began the Children’s Theatre branch (a unique facet not shared by many of the

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol (Photo Credit: Diana Blowers)

other Dayton theatres) at BCT five years ago. Along with performing in shows, students can participate in educational initiatives and classes at BCT, and help choose children’s productions; approximately half of the cast members have participated in BCT’s Children’s Theatre in some way before.

For this show, Connair has worked with the cast not only on scenes, but also on qualities important in life. She commented,

“We try and teach professionality to these kids, and how to develop a character, build a character, be real onstage – not just say lines, and I think they do an excellent job. They constantly surprise me, and that’s not easy to do.”

That training evidently is successful, for Connair stressed the professional quality of this production. That professionalism and the fresh angle to a familiar story both ensure A Christmas Carol is unique, excellent, and worth fitting into a busy holiday schedule.

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Photo Credit: Mike Long)

Town Hall Theatre’s Landmark Children’s Theatre’s current production, Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, also promises to entertain and impress. Some may remember THT’s well-loved and hilarious production last season of Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, exploring Junie B.’s kindergarten escapades; in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Junie B. is now in first grade and has grown up a little bit – this show features her parents less, and explores the relationships and events she deals with at school. Not only does Junie B. draw the name of May, her avid nemesis, for the school “Secret Santa” gift exchange, but both girls are required to perform together in the school’s holiday pageant.

Though many adults are unfamiliar with them, the Junie B. book series, by Barbara Park, is extremely popular with children; even if you have never heard of the books, however, the play and characters stand alone and will make sense. Junie B. reflects the lives and struggles of kids now, but adult audiences will also reminisce and remember the same things that the characters are encountering.  Playwright Allison Gregory, who was commissioned by Childsplay, Inc., to adapt the books for the stage, explained that the magic of the story and characters is how perfectly Park expresses the way kids think, “yet within that impulsive, boundless world, she builds a highly structured, meaningful story.”

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Photo Credit: Mike Long)

Gregory’s adaptation and THT’s production align perfectly with this description, and the cast has had a lot of fun exploring it! Director Brittany Hayden-Hinkle, also THT’s Education Director, discussed how rewarding working with the kids has been:

“I really enjoy them as actors and just as people. Where else would you be discussing burp noises and what “squeeze a burp” should look like? The kids… bring an energy that is positively indescribable; they care so much about the shows they work on! And they never take themselves too seriously.”

Both A Christmas Carol and Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells will provide audience members with not only a great distraction from the consumerism and stress of the holidays, but a perfect way to go beyond our typical conceptions about the holidays and theatre to reflect on what’s truly important. Hayden-Hinkle expressed thoughts about Junie B. that reflects the depth of Christmas Carol as well:

“The show encourages kids to look past themselves during the holidays and reach out to those who need a little help. Sometimes the right thing is pretty hard to do but it’s always worth it in the end!”

So, this December, take your family or friends to see one of these two great children’s shows, and move beyond the typical conceptions, enjoying yourself and laughing in the process.

Tickets and Performance Information

A Christmas Carol: Beavercreek Community Theatre

December 3 – 12, 2010 – Fridays/Saturdays at 7:00 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm
Call the Box Office at 937-429-4737 or visit Beavercreek Community Theatre!

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: Town Hall Theatre

December 3 – 19, 2010 – Fridays through Sundays (multiple performance times; check website!)
Call the box office at -937-433-8957 or visit Town Hall Theatre!

Or, check out the contest below…

Win Free Tickets!

Beavercreek Community Theatre, Town Hall Theatre, & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to each of these shows!  We will be giving away up to five sets of four tickets total for the second or third weekends of these terrific shows! We have three sets for A Christmas Carol and two for Junie B. Jones. And since we’re giving away four tickets to each winner, your family can come together. All you need to do is:

  • Share this post on Facebook or Twitter…we’ll give away a set of tickets for every 10 ’shares’ on FB/Twitter, up to 5 groups of 4 tickets.  Just click on the appropriate button below, it’s that easy!
  • Leave a comment, answering the following question… Both of these shows center around the holidays and a spirit of togetherness… what is your favorite or most unique holiday tradition?
  • The deadline to enter is MIDNIGHT on TUESDAY, December 16th; tickets will be made available for the second (or third, for Junie B. Jones) weekends of the show.

    • ~KN

    SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES

    Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at [email protected]

    Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally basedEncore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

    Tis The Season To Dine with Santa

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    If your children cannot stop talking about Santa Claus, you are not alone.  That’s why restaurants all over town have put together some special opportunities  to allow your kids to meet one of Santa’s helpers.

    But here’s a tip for you.  Don’t spring Santa on them. Let your child know they are going to meet a very special visitor. Ask them what they think Santa will wear and talk about how he has a big beard.  Sometimes children will feel more secure of they have siblings or friends accompanying them, however you are the best gauge of your child’s needs.  And be sure and have fresh batteries in the camera!

    Here’s a round up of events:

    Sat, Dec 4 & 11, 9am
    Rusty Bucket
    Includes breakfast, special holiday gits, and the opportunity to meet Santa and his holiday friends.  $5 each, advance tickets required- seating will sell out..  


    Sat, Dec 4, 9am
    Pollen Farms

    Santa will join us for this special breakfast at Polen Farm. After eating you’ll have some individual one-on-one time with Santa. Seating is very limited so register early. Everyone must register including parents.  $6 for Kettering residents, $10 for all else.

    Sat’s in Dec 4, 11 & 18, 11am
    Have a special lunch with Santa and then visit the Tike’s Shop at the Schuster Center. Reservations required. Call for cost and reservations. 910-8000.
    Every year for the past 30 years L’Auberge has been proud to present our traditional pre-Christmas brunch for the whole family. There will be one seating at 12:00 – 12:30 pm starting with Santa Claus and gifts for the kids and adults followed by our carol singers.  $39.50 per person
    Sat, Dec 19th 8am
    anta Claus will be here December 18 at 8:00 a.m.  He will be checking everyone’s list.  Be sure to mark your calendar and reserve your spot for breakfast with Santa Claus.  Space is limited!  Activites for the morning include breakfast, crafts, a special story and time to share that important wish list with Santa.  Photo opportunity available, please bring your camera.

    The menu includes:  Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast breads, cereal, fruit, juices, milk, and coffee. Children 2-12 years $7, all others $10


    Mon, Dec 20th 5-8pm
    Dinner with Santa on Monday, December 20th (that was the only date he was available)
    Pictures, candy canes and one of Santa’s elves will be here to help!
    Kids Menu for the evening:
    **Pasta with Red or White Sauce
    **Cheese Pizza
    **Grilled Cheese Sandwich with fries
    **Mini Burger with fries
    **Chicken Fingers with fries
    If I’ve missed any, please feel free to add them in the comments below!

    Jane’s Best Bets (12/1 – 12/5)

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    Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

    I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Just think…in less than four weeks, Santa Claus is coming to town.  You better watch out for the many fun things going on this week!

    On Wednesday, head over to the University of Dayton for their Narrative Enchantment: Nativity Stories in Gold and Blue, which is a visual display created by an award-winning illustrator.  You better not cry when you see Scrooge in A Christmas Carolat the Victoria Theatre.  At the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, bring in canned goods to create an artistic display, which will then be donated to the Foodbank as part of the Show of HeART: The Foodbank Installation.  At the Oakwood Dorothy Lane Market, attend the Season’s Greetings Beer Tasting. And in the evening, make your way over to UD Arena to watch the Flyers play East Tennessee State!

    On Thursday, learn how social media can help grow your business by registering for Social Media Boot Camp at Sinclair.  If you’re a young professional interested in marketing and new media and would like to give back (after all, Santa knows if you’ve been bad or good), you will definitely want to learn about a new and wonderful group in town called CultureMASH at their launch event at Wright State.  And if you’re a young professional in the defense industry, definitely check out the Young AFCEAn End of Year Social at the Pub at the Greene.  For a good laugh, head over to the Victoria Theatre to see the stand-up comic Lisa Lampanelli.  Santa knows who is naughty and nice, and according to what I’ve heard, Lisa’s stand-up routine is more of the former, as she has been hailed the “Queen of Mean”…however, she is well-liked by many!  If you’ve been making a list of all the songs of the 70s you know and love, then you’ll be able to listen to them as part of 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  And if you would like to hear another style of music, watch the University of Dayton Orchestra, as they put on a FREE show!

    On Friday, head over to the PNC 2nd Street Market to make Azra’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.  Watch the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Performance of the Nutcrackerat Bellbrook High School.  Attend the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s First Friday, which is an amazing art hop downtown.  Don’t worry, if you’re not an art fanatic, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re downtown!  Ice skate at RiverScape (that sounds like the beginning of a tongue twister) to some music like the professionals do as part of their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40, or take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride. At the Schuster Center, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’. At The Loft Theatre, be entertained by 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And finally downtown, I am so pleased to announce that Bryan Adams will be performing at Victoria Theatre!  Yeah, I’m pretty sure that “Bryan Adams” is a common name, but I checked and it is THE Bryan Adams…you know, the singer!  Please forgive me for the fact that my words come straight from the heart…I’m just that excited about it!  At Triangle Park, take the kids and attend the City Of Dayton Winter Wonderland to experience a fun, outdoor light display…just tell them to be good for goodness sake.  And if you are in the suburbs, consider seeing A Christmas Carolat the Beavercreek Community Theatre, the Washington Township Woodland Lights, or Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smellsat Town Hall Theatre in Centerville.  I don’t think little Junie is aware of the fact that Santa knows if she’s been good or bad!

    On Saturday, you better be making a list of the things you would like to do, as there are so many awesome events from which to choose!  Santa Claus will REALLY be coming to town and you can have breakfast with him at Rusty Bucket at the Dayton Mall or at Polen Farms.  Also at Polen Farms, you can attend their Holiday Boutique to find unique holiday gifts.  Not sure how unique they are, as there will also be the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaar at Dayton Liederkranz Turner and the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church, which both offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.  Kind of reminds me of the quote, “You’re unique, just like everybody else.”  I guess it’s the same way with Christmas gifts.  Sorry, I digress.  I’m thinking Santa must have a pretty busy day, as he will also be at Uno’s Chicago Grill and at the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pet Pictures with Santa.  While at the PNC 2nd Street Market, you can also participate in the Christmas Walk, which is my kind of walk as it is a “noncompetitive walk for the health of it”.  Although my kind of walk is probably more like the We Care Arts Cookie Walk going on at We Care Arts in Kettering, which is a wonderful organization that seeks to change disabilities into possibilities through art.  If you’re in downtown Lebanon, check out the Historic Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade.

    Continuing with Saturday…At the Victoria Theatre, check out Mooseltoe:  The Moosical…gotta love puns!  Also for more theater action, check out Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Nutcracker at Bellbrook High School, or A Christmas Carol at the Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you enjoy music, consider listening to The Dayton Philharmonic ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’at the Schuster Center, the UD Ebony Heritage Singers at the University of Dayton, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  Eat and dance the night away with The Soul Express Band at the Dayton Neighborhood Ballat the Dayton Masonic Center.  Give those vocal chords a workout (although you may need to see one of my colleagues for voice therapy afterwards!) by cheering on the Flyers as they take on Miami at UD Arena.  At the University of Dayton’s campus, you will be able to see Holiday Happenings – DCDC2’s Family Holiday Performance, in which there will be fun-filled dance performances to traditional and non-traditional holiday music.  And finally on Saturday evening, I am excited to be  celebrating with Generation Dayton at their Annual Holiday Party at the Old Courthouse downtown!

    On Sunday, you will once again be able to get some holiday shopping accomplished at the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church and the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaarat Dayton Liederkranz Turner.  If you’re looking for something musical, check out Mooseltoe:  The Moosical at Victoria Theatre, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Afternoon Musicales: Dayton Music Club at the Dayton Art Institute, Advent Dinner and Choral Program at Westminster Presbyterian Church, or the UD Choral Union/ World Music Choir/ Hands in Harmony at the University of Dayton.  And if you love all the Christmas decorations this time of year, hit up the Washington Township Woodland Lights!

    You better not pout because you can’t hit up all these awesome events this week!  I’m confident that whatever you choose to do, you’ll have an awesome time!

    And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

    What do you call Santa when he has no money?
    Saint “Nickel”-less!

    These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

    Have a great week Dayton!

    So This is Christmas…

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    8-Track:8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

    The Sounds of the 70’s

    THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

    Grab Your Boogie Shoes!

    The Human Race Presents

    A Unique Holiday Offering

    So this is Christmas and what have you done?

    Another year older, a new one just begun.

    A very merry Christmas and a happy new year,

    Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.

    Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono – December 6, 1971

    Holiday fare at the theatres can often get stale and repetitive.  I love a good Dickens’ tale or Nutcracker ballet like anyone else but wouldn’t it be a great to start a NEW holiday tradition, Recently, we’ve seen local production of fresher holiday fare including classics like Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas (currently playing at La Comedia) to edgier offerings like Eight Reindeer Monlogues. Nationally, TWO new holiday musicals are making the rounds – a new musical adaptation of the classic holiday film A Christmas Story and on Broadway – a musical staging of the more recent film, Elf.

    8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

    This holiday season, amid all of the standards, The Human Race Theatre Company is inviting you back to the age of bellbottoms, flower power, and draft dodging.  Fifty of the greatest hits of the 70’s wrapped into one rock ‘n’ roll evening doesn’t seem like typical holiday fare but The Human Race is betting on 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70’s.

    From the creator of the 60’s musical revue Beehive comes this all new retrospective that the Minneapolis Star Tribune has called “an infectious, joyous celebration.”  The show is cleverly split into 8 “tracks” or themes like War and Peace and Disco that give the show a thematic tie to the decade it represents.   Be prepared to hear classic songs from Donna Summer, Helen Reddy, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Carpenters, The Bee Gees among others.

    8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

    The other thing you can be sure of is that these songs will be expertly executed. Under the direction of Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney, the cast of five include TWO locals-made-good including EBONY BLAKE and JJ TIEYMEYER – both Wright State graduates and both now New York based. Neither are strangers to the Loft. Blake was seen in Jitney and the workshop presentation of Nefertiti (Ms. Blake was last seen here in Dayton on the national tour of The Color Purple that played the Schuster Center).  Tiemeyer has been seen  in A Christmas Carol and Man of La Mancha with The Human Race.  The cast is rounded out by JENNIFER WREN (Brigadoon at the Schubert) and JONATHAN BURKE (National Tour of Cats).

    So go ahead and indulge in your “ghost of Christmases past” and dancing mice but don’t miss the holiday Disco party at the Loft.

    8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.Photos by Scott  J. Kimmins

    Tickets & Performance Information:

    The Human Race Theatre Company - Dayton, Ohio8-Track:  The Sounds of the 70’s  – December 2 through 22 at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.

    Various performances days and times, visit  www.humanracetheatre.org or Ticket Center Stage for ticket information.

    Tickets also available by calling (937) 228-3630 or toll-free (888) 228-3630

    Group tickets for holiday outings (or otherwise) at (937) 461-3823 x 3113

    -DB

    8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

    We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

    onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com - Shane Anderson, David Brush, Katherine Nelson & Russell Florence, Jr.Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company.Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, serves as the Literary Intern for ETC.  The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

    Choirs, Choruses & Holiday Concerts

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    Is Glee getting you “gleeked” out for choral music?  Sure, you can get more with the reality TV show The Sing-Off (featuring local group, Eleventh Hour as the FIRST high school group on the show), but maybe you’re looking for some local opportunities to experience some cool harmonies and hear songs re-vamped for voice.  Luckily, in Dayton you have a variety of outlets specifically for choral fun, so here I highlight a handful of groups with upcoming holiday concerts.

    Disclaimer: There’s no way I can highlight them all even as I attempt to stick to adult groups, so if you want to share info on the fantastic college/university and youth choruses in the region – or if I missed an adult group, share in the comments.  But before we dive in, I will let you know that if you want to catch a short concert and take a break from the hustle of your work day, you can enjoy music from some local school groups when you visit downtown for Holiday in the City Noontime Entertainment.

    When you hear Dayton Philharmonic, you may think orchestra – but I’m talking about the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus (DPOC).  Having just recently become  members of Chorus America, the DPOC is the official chorus of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  DPOC member Pam Miller Howard shares that their “goal is choral excellence and community involvement.”    It is part of their mission to serve as part of the orchestra during the regular and summer seasons, but they also offer choral-only concerts, workshops, clinics, joint concerts and other educational outreach.

    The DPOC has been around for a while.  According to their Web page, it was back in 1935 that the DPOC was founded as an all-volunteer chorus to enhance the Orchestra’s programming.  They’ve grown since then; their October concert boasted a chorus of over 140 members.   And they’ve become a well-travelled and well-versed group, too; they’ve toured Europe and performed recently (2008 & 2010) in New York City.  But even with all those perks, this chorus is driven by quality and the love of the music.  Howard says, “Singing and hearing choral music is good for the soul.”  Wanna know if the DPOC is the kind of music good for your soul before checking them out in person?  You’re in luck – Dayton Public Radio airs concerts featuring the DPOC.

    Check out the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Chorus (a select chorus of the DPOC) at the December concert: Messiah with the DPO which will be December 12 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton at 4:00pm.  This year they will be performing the entire work which is a unique opportunity.

    The Bach Society of Dayton is our next stop on this tour of choral music.  “Dedicated to bringing the art of the great choral singing to Dayton,” they are 54-singers strong highlighting the history of top-quality choral music.  The focus for the Bach Society is the classics – music that has stood the test of time yet continues to inspire.  Some things are beautiful in any century, and they introduce Dayton to the great works first made famous by Vivaldi, Barber, and (of course) Johann Sebastian Bach.

    Collaboration is key to the Bach Society of Dayton as they strive to develop an appreciation for choral music.  Their Web site speaks about collaboration in a powerful way, “when we reach out to our community we share something each of us holds dear.”  They are truly singing for the love of the music.  They are most dedicated to their young person outreach; in recent years they’ve worked with the Muse Machine, many local high schools, the Gem City Ballet, Sinclair Community College, Wittenberg University, Carillon Brass, and players from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Sweet Sounds of the Holidays on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The Bach Society, along with the Kettering Children’s Choir Chorale under the direction of Bruce Swank and the Kettering Advent Ringers directed by Joan Ulloth Dorgan, present this seasonal favorite of Christmas and Hanukkah music.

    So – you may think of the DPOC or the Bach Society when you think of choral music, but there’s more than traditional choral offerings in our fair city.  The classics are well-represented, but for people who enjoy voices coming together for more contemporary works – there are numerous options for you as well.

    Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, Musica!(yes, the exclamation point is included) is a smaller ensemble of singers who explore many different forms of music.  Their Web site shares their home-grown history – Musica! was started by a group of 8 friends who sang for a friend’s party and they decided to keep going and share their voices with the public.

    Now they have expanded to offer a subscription series, CDs, and specialized performances.  Local singer, Megan Rehbring, is excited to be a part of Musica!  She says, “We do an interesting mix of music, and not much ‘traditional’ choir music, so the concerts are really fun.”  Rehbring is right that it’s not what is generally considered traditional; selections from this season include songs from musicals, spirituals, seasonal carols, and classic fare.

    The Sounds of the Season concert is advertised to “ring in the holidays with several new Christmas arrangements and a festive medley of carols entitled A Baroque Christmas.”  December 18 @ 8:00 PM at Fairhaven Church and December 19 @ 3 PM at Lutheran church of our Savior.

    The Schuster Center Celebration Choir was established to sing at the grand opening of the Schuster Center – that’s it, story over.  Except it’s not over – the singers had such a good time doing it, that they wanted to stay together and continue singing.  Dayton Power and Light sponsors this choir that’s by the community / for the community.  According to Dave Brush from the Victoria Theatre Association, the 40-50 members of this group are a demographic microcosm of the city, and they focus on giving back by singing at Urban Nights, the Grande Illumination, the Spring Concert (together with the Children’s Choir), and in partnership with community groups.  They’ve also been selected to sing the National Anthem at the Dragon’s Games a few times.   With a wide-spectrum of singers with different tastes and talents, they’ve been known to sing everything from Broadway to opera and classical to holiday.   But what remains the same is the focus on providing an outlet for community members to sing, grow their skills, and share their talents with the greater community.

    The Schuster Center Celebration Choir joins with a collection of choirs from local churches, the  Sinclair Handbell Choir, and the Oakwood Accordion Band to bring full voice to the Dayton Philharmonic’s upcoming SuperPops performance Holiday at Homethis weekend at the Schuster Center.

    For even more contemporary fare in this tour of the diverse choral options in town, we come to the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus.  Their mission is two-fold in their attempt to encourage excellence in vocal arts as well as achieving a gay-affirming presence in the region.   Board President, Allen Kimbrough says, “The DGMC promotes the idea of obtaining and sustaining our individual and human rights, celebrating diversity within our culture and community, and the freedom to express our commitment to the value of opening minds and eliminating prejudice by honoring our differences.  Our music is a testament to these core values, which move us ever forward to succeed in reaching these goals.”

    The crowds that they are getting at their shows and the partnerships they’re developing regionally and nationally are a testament to their drive and dedication to produce great works that support their mission.  But while they are serious about their goals – I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how FUN this group is.  In addition to great harmonies for exciting and unique musical selections, they include some simple choreography, fun costumes, and various props to keep the audience engaged and enjoying the overall experience of each show.  These boys, inspired by music director Jason Schuler, know how to have a good time and that energy is contagious.

    Kimbrough continues, “Our audiences can expect a broad repertoire of music in a variety of visible and accessible venues.”  December shows include  Celebrate! Songs of the Season on December 4th, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in the Cannery District on 3rd Street.  Community outreach performances are scheduled at First Baptist Church on December 5th, Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield on December 10th, the monthly PFLAG December meeting on December 14th, and Barnes and Noble Bookstore on December 19th.

    And finally, there’s the phenomenal group from Fairmont High School, Eleventh Hour.  I know, I know – I’m not highlighting youth choirs in this article – but c’mon!  Starting December 6, they’re on national television on The Sing-Off, so they have to get a little love.  Check out their version of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” to get into the spirit and then catch their free concert at Fairmont High School on December 8.   Voices only as this small acapella group makes contemporary songs sound like they don’t need any instruments besides these seven voices.

    So there’s a *small* sampling of some of the great choral options in the region and ways to get into the holiday spirit while supporting these local music groups.  How are you fitting music into your winter schedule?

    Move On…

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    Chris Erk - Photo by Kidtee Hello…a conversation with Chris Erk

    The Tap Factor

    Dayton is a tap town.  There, I said it.  Most people in this city and region probably had no clue, and yet this is  another thing that Dayton should be really proud about.  It’s been a whirlwind of a year for tap dance in Dayton.  First, we come to the painful realization that Sharon Leahy and Rick Good’s RHYTHM IN SHOES was closing up shop after 20-some years…but then we start hearing news of other amazing dance projects in the works.  We hear of South Park resident Kandee Thacker-Mann (who had performed with the legendary Savion Glover) teaching urban kids the art of tap dance through her company SOLE PURPOSE.  Then, out of the blue there’s news of another new tap company in town….THE TAP FACTOR.

    THE TAP FACTOR?  Honestly, the first time I saw a flier advertising the studio, I assumed that it was some of the soon-to-be-former R.I.S. members, establishing their next project.  Upon a little bit of investigation, we started to hear about this new guy in town, one Christopher Erk…he’d been in some Broadway tours and all.? ? A Broadway tour that ended in Dayton, Ohio?  How did a star performer in TAP DOGS end up in Dayton?  This Chris Erk guy was kind of elusive at first…until a quick introduction on Fifth Street one day, then the occasional friendly wave across a bar or on the street.  Then SLAM! The Tap Factor started shaking things up in Dayton!  The Tap Factor - photo by Sarah BabcockThe first gig…at Urban Nights; a special guest appearance at R.I.S’s last performance; SOUL’D OUT DAYTON at C{Space; Broadway caliber guest performers flying in from NYC to teach master classes around town; THE DAYTON TAP PROJECT at Stivers.

    I contacted Chris…I wanted to find out more about this force that suddenly flew into town less than a year ago.   What did I find out? 1) Besides talented, he’s a really nice guy.  2) He really appreciates our city & the artistic environment here. 3)  He’s on his way out of town.? ?

    onStageDayton:  Chris, Dayton is just getting to know you as a performer in our arts scene…but, you came to our city after a pretty interesting career in New York and on the road. For our DMM readers who are just being introduced to you, just who the heck are you?

    Chris ErkChris Erk:  I am originally from CT where I grew up dancing extensively and training in musical theater and drama. When I was 15 years old I was hired for the National Tour of Tap Dogs with whom I went on to tour internationally for 5 years. After putting some time in on the road I settled in NYC where I lived and worked as a tap dancer/teacher/choreographer for the next 5 years. Work there was diverse. I spent a lot of time covering the bases of what the dance world could offer. From corporate entertainment, the teaching and convention circuit, to independent and company projects, there was plenty to get mixed up in while living in the city, and many friendships developed along the way. The exposure gained in my first stint of my career has geared me up for round two.

    OSD:  It seems that you are quite connected on the national dance scene…what do you find exciting about the future of American dance?

    Chris Erk & Janet Schroeder - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  The thing that excites me most about the future of the American dance scene is that there is a lot more going on by a lot more people. I notice the country realizing that it doesn’t take much to get something done. Communities are starting to come alive and more groups are being formed. I find the “flash stardom” shows are showing that there is a shot out there for the average Joe. I also think that globalization and internet sharing are making cross culture exchanges “the norm”. That alone is making for a deeper creative pool which in turn yields a more diverse product for a wider audience to enjoy.

    OSD:  We are sorry to hear that your time in Dayton is coming to an end. What personal opportunities did your time here provide for you as an artist and an educator?

    The Tap Factor - Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Leaving Dayton is definitely not going to be the easiest thing to do. From the moment I got to town I was given warm reception and the open heart of the town. Good luck and favor kept coming at the rate of disbelief. I couldn’t fathom that the town was really as kind as it seemed. Whenever there was a hand in need there was a hand indeed.

    As an educator, I would say that I got to have my cake and eat it too. Whether I was teaching “Broadway Bounders” at WSU, giving the recreational class at Sinclair their first tap steps, enriching the experienced dancers at the local studios, or getting my hands dirty getting the Tap Factor crew comfortable to take their tap to the streets to share with the town, the breadth of what I had to offer as an educator and coordinator was full spectrum here in Dayton. As any teacher can tell you, you learn as much as your students do, and in that, I was spoiled here. I will not take that for granted as I move on.

    I found that there are community supported opportunities for everyone who wants to participate in the arts in any capacity. As an artist, the work just flowed out stimulated by the backdrop and resources made available by the city. All of the work that I created in town was a product of good company. I am not set out on a mission to accomplish anything in particular as much as I just like to have a good time tapping with others. If there was no one to work with, there would have been no work produced on my end. In all actuality the demand was steady and therefore in a short time, we got a lot of great work done.

    Soul'd Out Dayton - July 2010 @ C{Space - Photo by Sarah BabcockIn Soul’d Out, the show I produced at C{space, I found that I was able to utilize every bit of skill I had under my belt as well as get my feet wet as a producer. In that experience I was able to dance, teach, choreograph, create, delegate, coordinate, share, invite, collaborate, direct, host, design, etc…all in one show. Artistically and beyond, there was no stone unturned.

    OSD:  You mentioned what a fantastic working environment Dayton is for artists, what factors make you feel that way?

    The Tap Factor - Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Dayton has many hungry people ready for action. They just need to be led and to know, it really isn’t that hard to get something done. There is a venue and audience for all. The theater community itself is thriving which also adds for good stimulation, incubation, and cross pollination. It is nice to have this website, for instance, as a go to for people to get plugged in to what’s happening in town. There is art in everything and Dayton seems to get it. The main factor in all of it is that it costs a fraction of the price you would pay in any major city. If you have goals and a plan, Dayton is the canvass to get ‘er done. I also must attribute the Downtown Dayton Partnership for being a major catalyst and supporter for my work here. The exposure of The Tap Factor would have been dwarfed it it weren’t for frequent supported events that allowed us to get busy.

    OSD:  In the past year you have had the opportunity to collaborate with several other arts and community organizations…what are some of the highlights from these experiences?

    Rhythm In Shoes members at Soul'd Out Dayton - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  I would have to say that I was honored to have at least one opportunity to dance with Rhythm in Shoes. They joked and announced me in their final show at the Cityfolk festival as it being my first and last gig with the company. I was sad for that to be the case as I had gained much respect for their historical contribution to the town. They gave me their blessing and came out of retirement for a moment to perform with me and my friends in Soul’d Out.  It really was a treat.

    Zoot Theatre Co. Puppet at Soul'd Out Dayton - Photo by Kidtee HelloI am also sad to leave with out getting some puppets tapping for Zoot. I may have to make sure I get that taken care of at some point. I was also treated with the task of choreographing Gypsy at the Dayton Playhouse. That was my first community theater experience and a blessed one.

    As I had mentioned before, the DDP has been a great resource to lean on, from writing press releases, finding space, to booking gigs, they really are there to be taken advantage of if one wishes to get pugged into the Dayton Circuit. I have also made great friends with some local movers and shakers. Local artist Mike Elsass and Peter Benkendorf of Blue Sky have been readily available for engagements in candid guidance and encouragement. Without their vote of confidence, some of the moves I made may have been handled with less follow through.

    My future was headed towards, of course developing The Tap Factor, but also working with Ann Rassmusen to create space and opportunity for people who need a chance and a helping hand in getting their work out to the world. I believe there is a void in that capacity here in town and it will be exciting to see if and what will be created and by whom.

    OSD:  November 13th’s “Dayton Tap Project,” was most likely your last gig in the city. What story were you able to tell through your performance? What type of audiences were you hoping to reach & what is the personal message that you wanted them to take away from the show?

    The Dayton TAP ProjectCE:  In The Tap Factor segment in the showcase, you pretty much got a point for point account of the works that have come out of my time here. It was a nice recap and a great chance for me to dance with some of the company members that have been around through the whole process. I  also cut up the stage with my best friend, Anthony Russo.  There was tap dancing as you know it and may have never seen before. There were no age or language barriers up.  It’s good clean fire. This was a priceless opportunity…I’m just sayin’…I want audiences to just have fun and let loose with us. No messages to be stated here. Each individual will make of it what they will.

    OSD:  What’s next for you?

    The Tap Factor 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Next I am going to go back East and throw my self back into the whirlwind of NYC. There is a lot to latch onto. I plan on spending time developing my craft, continuing my college education, and reuniting with my professional peers to see what’s been shaking. I know I will have a wealth of experience from my time here to share.

    OSD:  Chris, thanks for taking time to chat with onStageDayton, we wish you well and hope that you will spread the word on the East Coast what a great arts scene Dayton, Ohio has!

    Chris Erk - The Tap Factor, Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Trust me, I have been an advocate for Dayton since the moment I landed here. I have already had several friends in to get hands involved the arts scene. There are still stories to unfold about what the future holds for the arts in this town. There is a storm brewing up here and I will continue to let the world know that they are about to find out! I am not one to predict the future. I never would say that my time here had ended. All I can say for now is peace and love to you Dayton, onward. There is magic happening here and in due time it’s going to pop and the secret will be out. Trust I will be back for the party. Thank you! See you soon 🙂

    In our conversation, Chris kept discussing how much he has enjoyed his time in Dayton, and the many great people & things to do that he’s heard about but hasn’t yet had the opportunity to meet/experience.  You can tell what an organizational genius he is, because he went ahead made some lists and emailed them to me!

    My Top 10 things I need to do before leaving Dayton:

    1. Meet an Ervin

    2. Box at Drakes Gym

    3. Get on one of Dayton’s Bike paths

    4. Have a Bad Juan Margarita

    5. Go to the Dayton Arts Scene

    6. Teach a class at Stivers

    7. Dance one more time with the Puzzle of Light

    8. See a show at the Loft

    9. Go to a UD game

    10. See a show at Canal Street Tavern

    Top 10 favorite people:

    1. Joe Deer (WSU Theatre)

    2. Tristan Cupp (Human Race Theatre Co./Zoot Theatre Co.)

    3. Ann Rassmusen (C{Space)

    4. Mike Elsass (Artist/The Color of Energy Gallery)

    5. Peter Benkendorf (Blue Sky Project)

    6. Kristen Wicker (Downtown Dayton Partnership)

    7. Russel Florence, Jr. (onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com)

    8. Brian Sharp and Wade Hamilton (Dayton Playhouse)

    9. Gina Nuerer (Sinclair Theatre)

    10. Susan Byrnes (Artist/UD’s ArtStreet)

    My Top 10 Spots I am taking with me!

    1. Lihn’s

    2. South Park Pizza Tavern

    3. Tanks

    4. Oakwood Starbucks

    5. Christopher’s

    6. Palermo’s

    7. Cedarland Bakery

    8. 5th Street Deli

    9. Boston Stoker (iced tea)

    10. Brixx Cafe

    Photos by Sarah Babcock & Kidtee Hello

    -SA

    We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

    onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com - Shane Anderson, David Brush, Katherine Nelson & Russell Florence, Jr.Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company.Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, serves as the Literary Intern for ETC.  The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

    Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Schuster Center

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    Dayton’s Victoria Theatre Association is bringing Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the Schuster Center this holiday weekend (11/26-11/28)!  Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams – Holidaze is an original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsy. Ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season. An international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians fill the stage, the air and dangle from a gigantic and magical tree. Gingerbread men flip through the air, toy soldiers march along thin wires, snowmen balance, penguins spin, and reindeer soar high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.  A great show to bring the whole family to!

    “Cirque Dreams Holidaze has truly earned its name: the vibrant colors and cheerful voices will delight audiences from three to ninety three.” – Third Coast Digest

    “I must say that was one of the most awesome shows I have ever seen!  I sat in awe and on the edge of my seat through the whole show.  I was nervous about how my children would react to the makeup and the acts, but they LOVEd  it!  My daughter even asked if it was going to be long because she didn’t want to stop watching.  My four year old loved it, too, and said it all was his favorite when I asked him what his favorite part was!” – My Milwaukee Mommy

    Location:
    Schuster Center

    Showtimes:
    November 26 – 8 p.m.
    November 27 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
    November 28 – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets:
    On Sale Now!
    Adult: $70, $56, $46, $36
    Children 12 & Under: 50% Off A & B Section Seats
    (Plus Service Fees. Prices Subject to Change.)
    BUY TICKETS

    10 ?’s with Chef Carrie Walters

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    Carrie Walters is the Corporate Chef for Dorothy Lane Market and is responsible for researching and developing new recipes, menus, and programs. She plays a key role in the  annual Food and Wine Show (which always sells out)  and other special events for DLM. As a food stylist, she has designed in-house food shots for the DLM website, and electronic and print publications, in addition to television commercials and other multimedia venues.  Here she shares some tips to make your holiday cooking easier:

    Carrie is an accomplished chef who has been the keynote speaker for many groups, ranging from ten to over 300 people. One of the most  popular instructors at the DLM School of Cooking, Carrie teaches a variety of classes, always with her approachable demeanor, contagious enthusiasm, and interactive teaching style. A classically trained chef, Carrie earned her culinary degree in Seattle.

    What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

    I would have to say beef. At DLM we have the best beef in the business. All it needs  is some simple cooking methods and some salt and pepper.

    What ingredient do you dread?

    Red and Green Bell Peppers. I think they are over used! Yes, their color adds a lot to a dish but their flavor tends to overpower everything else.

    What’s your favorite dish to make?

    At home with the change of season I like to braise a lot. I make a lot of pot roasts, soups and  anything else with sauce! Another dish I keep coming back to is roast chicken, It makes everyone in my house happy and the leftovers are great!

    What’s your favorite pig out food?

    Thai and Vietnamese-I love all the fresh clean flavors. I like the combinations of fresh herbs, citrus and chiles. I think I could eat shredded papaya salad everyday and never get sick of it.

    What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

    I love Linh’s, Akashi, and House of Thai for my Asian fix. I’ll take Meadowlark for lunch any day of the week!

    What’s your best advice for home chefs?

    Cooking really supposed to be fun and relaxing. Don’t over think or stress about it.  Its all about getting to sit down with people you love and share some food. Make it simple.

    If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

    I’d cook for my parents who never got the chance to know me as a grown woman and 2 of my favorites Chef Instructors from my culinary school days. I’d cook some of my Mom’s old favorites with my own twists. All executed, of course,  with the classic skills Chef Hawley and Chef Ruegg taught me.

    Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

    I really respect both Norman and Calvin Mayne. They let me do what I am good at!  I love being able to wear lots of hats-creating recipes and programs, writing and teaching. DLM is a company that I am proud to represent .

    What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

    A perfect day would be to take an early hike at either the Gorge or Sugarcreek Reserve  with my family , then maybe do a little shopping at the Greene and then see a movie or a play. Unfortunately the reality of my time off is trying to catching up with all the laundry and running my kids around!

    Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

    We were filming a TV show with Sara Moulton at the School of Cooking  a couple of years ago and one of the dishes were supposed to be a specific type of chicken There was a live audience watching my every move waiting for Sara to show up. Our chickens never made the air flight to Dayton so last minute I had to use solid frozen Cornish hens for the camera. I had to “paint” on some color for the birds to look cooked. I used a concoction of kitchen bouquet, molasses and soy sauce. Even after all that we still had a couple audience members wanting to taste those birds!